Congratulationsto the People of Turkmenistan

on the Occasion of

the 27th Anniversary of

Their Independence

http://www.sojitz.com/en

Congratulationsto the People of Turkmenistan

on the Occasion of

the 27th Anniversary of

Their Independence

Congratulationsto the People of Turkmenistan

on the Occasion of

the 27th Anniversary of

Their Independence

Gurbanmammet eLYaSOVAmbAssAdor of turkmenistAn

This year on Sept. 27, we celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan. Being an open and fast-growing coun-try, Turkmenistan is actively develop-ing its multifaceted

cooperation globally. Since obtaining its inde-pendence in 1991, Turkmenistan has been successfully strengthening its relations with all countries in the political, economic, educa-tional, scientific and cultural fields, as well as other areas.

These relations are based on the principle of our permanent neutrality status, which was unanimously approved through a U.N. resolution on Dec. 12, 1995. To commemo-rate this event, Turkmenistan solemnly cel-ebrated the 20th anniversary of neutrality in

2015. It may also be noted, that in June 2015, a new U.N. resolution confirming the status of neutrality was adopted, thus cementing the unshakable character of our neutrality, which is engraved in Turkmenistan’s constitution.

Complete independence and positive neu-trality constitute the two main pillars of our policy. Time has proven that these principles provide excellent opportunities for Turkmen-istan to flourish. Outstanding achievements have been made in the political, economic, social and other sectors over the period of independence. Today, Turkmen people are happy to be part of a sovereign nation with absolutely no dependence on other countries nor any political blocs or unions.

Our neutral status has also allowed us to put forward new global initiatives to create univer-sal mechanisms for the solution of global geo-political issues, including transit and transport.

Recognizing the fundamental role of sus-tainable transport in fighting climate change and achieving a sustainable future, former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon con-vened the first-ever global conference on

sustainable transport in Ashgabat on Nov. 26 and 27 in 2016. U.N. Resolution 70/197,

“Towards comprehensive cooperation among all modes of transport for promoting sustain-able multimodal transit corridors,” dated Dec. 22, 2015, which was proposed by Turkmeni-stan and co-sponsored by 84 countries, wel-comed this initiative.

Last year, Turkmenistan successfully held the fifth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, which can be called a special contribution of Turkmenistan to the inter-national sports and Olympic movement. The games’ competitions brought together about 6,000 representatives of 64 countries in Asia and Oceania, as well as a refugees’ team, which took part for the first time in the Asian Games.

This year in April, welcoming and support-ing the work carried out in Turkmenistan for the development of sport, physical training and improved health movement, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the resolution initiated by our country declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day.

Also regarding Turkmenistan’s efforts on enhancing international sports cooperation and friendship, it is appropriate to mention that this year the successful international Amul-Hazar 2018 rally was held along the Silk Road across the Karakum Desert in Sep-tember. In addition to this, in November the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships will be held in Ashgabat.

Safeguarding peace, disarmament, energy security and environmental protection are some of the other important initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan. These ideas have been well received, appreciated and sup-ported by other countries, including Japan.

Another strategic direction of the foreign policy of Turkmenistan is to establish pro-ductive relations with Asia-Pacific countries. Therefore, Japan, which is the only Group of Seven country in the region, is one of the most important partners of Turkmenistan. As the ambassador of Turkmenistan in Japan, my main duty is to implement agreements reached during the visits of President Gurban-guly Berdimuhamedov to Japan in 2013 and

in March 2015. Today, Turkmen-Japanese cooperation is

successfully developing in different fields. Our country’s enterprises work in cooperation with dozens of major Japanese corporations implementing large regional projects, espe-cially in the oil and gas fields. The Japanese business community not only knows Turk-menistan as a country that possesses the world’s fourth-largest reserves of natural gas, but also as a politically, socially and finan-cially stable, strong and loyal partner. Taking into account bilateral relations based on the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefits and regional cooperation, the Turkmen-Japanese business forum was held on July 2,

where high interest in the intensification of productive ties was expressed.

Successful Turkmen-Japanese cooperation is also taking place between our parliaments, government organizations and universities.

In October 2015, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid an official visit to Turkmenistan. During this extremely successful visit, which brought our cooperation to a new level, doz-ens of agreements and contracts were signed.

In conclusion, I would like to congratu-late the readers of The Japan Times on the 27th anniversary of the independence of Turkmenistan. I would also like to express my strong confidence that multifaceted and mutually beneficial Turkmen-Japanese coop-eration will continue to flourish.

This content was compiled in collaboration with the embassy. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.

Domestic and foreign policies drive prosperity

Turkmenistan Independence Day Special

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov

The Akhal-Teke, a horse breed native to Turkmenistan, is a symbol of power in the country. embAssy of turkmenistAn.

Emblem celebrating the independence of Turkmenistan.

PAGE: 5